Wednesday morning, Aug. 29, marked the beginning of a new year at Clark Avenue Middle School.
Yet this was far from an ordinary opening day.
Students walked through newly constructed doors into gleaming corridors of a $54 million facility equipped with modern features absent from their previous home – the 110-year-old former Chelsea High School.
“I really want to see the new gym; I can’t wait,” remarked William Bay, a seventh grader, as he stood outside the school that Wednesday morning. “I guess I just want to see all of the school. I’m excited about the whole thing. I think it will help me do better in school. I’m going to learn more here.”
Parents shared in the enthusiasm.
“I’m so excited,” explained Bernice Reyes, who brought her two sixth-grade children for their first day. “I have a college graduate who went to the old Clark Ave. I remember that school. It couldn’t give these kids what this one will.”
Returning student Sara El-Mahil observed, “It’s better than the old one for sure. The classroom are larger and all the water fountains will work now. I really like the space in the front where kids can hang out before school. Everything is going to be more organized.”
The Clark Avenue project began years earlier, with Phase 1 completed in December 2016 when students first entered the new classroom spaces along Tudor Street. This year brought the full opening – introducing a gymnasium, music facilities, library, and numerous other features that finished the undertaking.
“It’s a fantastic building,” noted Principal Michael Talbot. “The kids are going to love it. The teachers are going to love the new options that this building gives them to teach the kids. Everyone’s excited.”
Superintendent Mary Bourque and other district leaders, including Gerry McCue – who guided the project before his retirement this year – attended to greet arriving students and families.
“I am so proud of what the City has done here with this facility,” Bourque stated. “This was the right thing to do for the kids and the community.”
Among the most welcomed additions on Wednesday was the expansive new courtyard and outdoor amphitheatre situated at Tudor Street and Clark Avenue. Though construction continues, the space was sufficiently complete to serve as a gathering area before classes began.
The previous building sat directly against the sidewalk with minimal outdoor space available.
The new outdoor area will enhance learning opportunities and remain accessible to community members for events like outdoor performances and film screenings.
Williams School sewer problems
The Williams School, which houses Browne Middle and Wright Middle Schools, faced a crisis Monday afternoon when a severe sewer blockage jeopardized the opening day.
At approximately 3 p.m. Monday, the sewer line backed up, creating significant damage within the building. Staff members preparing for the school year were dismissed.
Joe Cooney and the Buildings and Grounds Department team addressed the issue and discovered a substantial blockage of baby wipes in the sewer pipe and drainage system.
“Joe’s team worked throughout the night washing and sanitizing everything and we were ready to be back in business Tuesday morning,” explained Supt. Mary Bourque. “I am truly the luckiest and most grateful Superintendent for our dedicated and hard-working Buildings and Grounds department.”